WITH praise pouring in from far and wide, The Lottery Winners have firmly put Leigh on the musical map with their first Number One album.

Working in the band for the best part of 15 years, celebrations were in order on Friday, May 5, as the Leigh-based four-piece scored a Number One album with 'Anxiety Replacement Therapy'.

Placing a focus on Leigh from all corners of the music industry, the Lottery Winners fought off tough competition in the chart battle, with established acts such as Jessie Ware, the National, Reverend and the Makers, and Nines also releasing new music.

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Leigh Journal: The Lottery Winners achieved their first Number One album with 'Anxiety Replacement Therapy'The Lottery Winners achieved their first Number One album with 'Anxiety Replacement Therapy' (Image: Lottery Winners)

Pouring their heart and soul into the album, the band pulled out all the stops with the album release, with collaborations with Boy George, Shaun Ryder, and Frank Turner, the organising of a pop-up shop in Spinning Gate shopping centre, and playing an emotional gig at St George Parish Church in Tyldesley, on the back of a nationwide tour.

Building a loyal fanbase over the years, the Lottery Winners' social media posts were liked, shared, and commented on by thousands of people as it was announced they had achieved their first Number One album.

Messages of congratulations quickly flooded in from the rest of the country, as dedicated fans, proud Leythers, as well as musicians and celebrities paid homage to the Lottery Winners and their hard-fought success.

Leigh Journal: The Number One follows 15 years of dedication to the bandThe Number One follows 15 years of dedication to the band (Image: Lottery Winners)

Tributes to the Lottery Winners:

Leigh Leopards wrote: "This is how it feels to be number one. On behalf of everyone at Leigh Leopards, a huge congratulations goes to the Lottery Winners on getting our town’s very first number one album".

Musician and album contributor Frank Turner wrote: "Absolute legends. Knew you'd do it. Bursting over here."

Britpop group Shed Seven commented: "Was never in doubt!! Beers are on you when we see you next … now you’re all officially famous and that."

Lead singer of the Charlatans Tim Burgess wrote: "Congratulations [to the] LotteryWinners!! Anxiety Replacement Therapy is the NUMBER ONE album in the Offical Charts."

Radio DJ and former Inspirals Carpets keyboardist Clint Boon wrote: "Massive congrats to the Lottery Winners on their NUMBER 1 album!! What an achievement!"

In a video, John McClure from Reverend and the Makers said: "I'm absolutely buzzing for you - a victory for the working class. You're amazing humans, amazing musicians, and incredibly hard workers and we're all absolutely made up for you."

On Instagram, lead singer of the Courteeners Liam Fray said "Congrats guys" and singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum said "Just Brilliant news!"

Radio DJ Vernon Kay also commented on the band's posting saying "So well deserved!" while Comedian Jason Manford simply wrote "Fantastic".

Responding to the news on Twitter, Wigan Council said: "Wow. Congrats the Lottery Winners".

Leigh Journal: Labour candidate Jo Platt and councillor Shelley Guest celebrating with the Lottery WinnersLabour candidate Jo Platt and councillor Shelley Guest celebrating with the Lottery Winners (Image: Jo Platt)

Current Labour candidate and former Leigh MP Jo Platt celebrated with the band following the announcement, and wrote: "Two more wins for Leigh. Leigh winning 30-6 against Castleford and celebrating with the Thelotterywinners on their No.1 album! If Carlsberg did days. #LoveLeigh"

Former MP and current Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham also rallied for the band in the lead-up to the chart announcement, saying: "I’ve watched this band develop over the years and now they’re on the verge of a No. 1 album. So, c’mon everyone, let’s get Leigh’s very own Lottery Winners  over the line."